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Showing results for hold the reins. Search instead for Drop-the-reins.

hold the reins

VERB
administer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise
STRONG
boss control head render run superintend
WEAK
be in the driver's seat be in the saddle crack the whip head up pull the strings pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
leave neglect obey
STRONG
follow
WEAK
deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold
VERB
control
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer command conduct deal with dominate govern handle lead manage manipulate oversee regulate rule run supervise
STRONG
administrate advise boss bully call direct discipline domineer guide head instruct overlook pilot predominate quarterback regiment steer subject subjugate superintend
WEAK
be in saddle call the signals head up hold purse strings hold sway over push buttons reign over run the show run things
Antonyms
STRONGEST
comply consent follow mismanage neglect obey serve submit surrender yield
STRONG
misguide mislead
WEAK
abandon chance forsake give up jump in let go relinquish renounce resign risk rush
VERB
operate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer conduct drive handle keep play run work
STRONG
command maneuver manipulate ordain pilot ply steer wield
WEAK
be in charge be in driver's seat be in saddle call the play call the shots call the signals carry on make go pull the strings pull the wires run the show run things sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
halt mismanage neglect stop
STRONG
leave alone
VERB
rule
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conduct control dominate lead order overrule prevail run take over
STRONG
administer bridle command curb decree dictate direct domineer guide predominate preponderate preside regulate reign restrain sway
WEAK
be in authority be in driver's seat be in power crack the whip hold sway keep under one's thumb lay down the law rule the roost run the show sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
follow lose obey surrender
STRONG
misguide mislead mismanage neglect release serve submit
WEAK
plead

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I feel like I’m trying to hold the reins on something I can’t really control.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Silver told the audience that she had to wear her “big girl pants and hold the reins without Dick here as the safety net.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025

The 65-year-old, who took office in late 2021, also made clear that he expects to hold the reins in Berlin for some time.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2023

These delegates are assigned block by block in the system; no one leader may hold the reins for too long.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2022

“In two weeks I’ll be eighteen. A legal adult. You won’t hold the reins anymore.”

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott